Escape from WS!

SO I finally left my hometown for the first time in a long time! Early morning flight (as in 5:45) and we are in DC hanging out :)

So while my dad was otherwise occupied by his conference, I wandered the city aimlessly on foot because I think that's the best way to get to know a place :) I found the White House and watched the tourists for awhile, then ran into a sweet little farmer's market and bought a smoked salmon empenada (it was delicious), saw some construction. You know, today was the first time every I saw someone use a jackhammer in real life? I've only seen jackhammers in movies and Club Penguin :P I'm glad I've practiced crossing the road nonchalantly in Taiwan, because there were a lot of angsty tourists running around the crosswalks today. 

This afternoon after his conference was over, we wandered around Lincoln Memorial and did all that touristy stuff. And of course we went to Chinatown for dinner, a must for all big city vacations! 

I'm not sure what we're doing tomorrow. Besides try to find famous politicians and get a spot in Congress. 

RL

Ten Things on a Thursday

I don't have anything insightful to say today, but I feel like saying things anyway. Which brings us to.........Ten Random Things Going On in My Head Right Now.

1. I should wash my hair sometime before work tomorrow.
2. Is there a bug on my leg?
3. FINALLY tomorrow is Friday!!!!
4. Don't do any online shopping today, DON'T DO IT!!! 
5. Why do people bash things they know nothing about?
6. Man, I need to practice violin or viola. Probably both. Definitely both.
7. That quesadilla is gurgling in my tummy...
8. Is 8:30 pm too early to go to bed?
9. Has anyone's stomach actually exploded from eating too much?
10. Yeah, I could eat right now.

TOODLE DOO

RY

Internal Musings

Yesterday, I brought the incoming freshmen I'm working with (new international students taking part in the program I'm helping out with) to get USA cell phone plans taken care of. While I was waiting, the representatives from the cell phone carrier started trying to get me to convert to their plan, asking me questions about what carrier and plan I was with now, if I was a student and could qualify for their student discount, etc. etc. They were pretty good salespeople, but I politely declined ;)

In the midst of trying to shy away from their attempts to demonstrate how much better their prices were, I mentioned how I was already on a family plan and had a pretty good deal with my current carrier. When they asked me how many people were in my family, I told them without hesitating that there were four of us--my dad, mom, sister, and me. 

I really need to stop doing that. I don't continue to say that my mom is still a part of my family because I haven't come to terms or her passing from cancer; in fact, I have long since accepted that my life now no longer has that maternal figure (which is why, I think, I become very attached very quickly to almost all maternal figures I meet). Instead, I believe it is because I know of the societal expectation of the idea of a family, and that even with increasing rate of divorce, teenage pregnancy, and single parents, people confronted with atypical families are taken aback. This leads to questions, both voiced or left unsaid, about where a parent has gone. 

Herein lies my problem--when those questions have been asked of me, the questions "where is your mom," "what does your mom do for a living," and I have to tell them that she passed when I was in high school, the person asking almost always becomes awkward and apologizes, and it is difficult to get back into the previous conversation without a more somber air. As a person, I dislike inconveniencing people, and perhaps I avoid mentioning it to save the other person from that feeling of awkwardness, although I don't at all mind people asking. 

And that, my friends, is where I have fallen into the trap of the Looking Glass Self, a concept born by Charles Cooley, which is the idea that a person is not only shaped by personality, but also societal perceptions of him/her. Even though I am comfortable with the topic, I am made uncomfortable of it because of how society views it, and that unconsciously forces me to present myself dramaturgically. I need to work to be unafraid of the societal compression of characters and fall out of the "sameness" that it produces. 

I oftentimes wonder how my life would be different if my mom was still here, if I never took martial arts classes or played an instrument, if I hated school (yes, I have almost always liked to go to school), if I hadn't had certain experiences. But character is built so much from different aspects of life that it would be hard for anyone to imagine the answer to that question in their own lives. 

Rambling complete. Continue on with your lives. :) 

RL

TKD

If you're reading this, you probably know that TaeKwonDo was a pretty significant part of my life growing up in Winston-Salem. The TKD school was a place where I found an incredible family that grew alongside me and achieved amazing things with me. 

When I went to college, I found another family in the TKD club at Wake. It was a great group of people, albeit a small group, but I loved every single person there. I loved that I could not only continue doing a martial art that I enjoy and find comfort in, but I could also hang out with some fun people, especially when I was still a little bit lost in the first year. 

NOW that I'm on my own and trying out this "real life" ordeal, I knew that I would again find solace in another "TaeKwonDo family." Once I realized that I would have to move away from Winston Salem, I knew that TaeKwonDo would be the way to get my roots down into my new city. And I wasn't wrong! I found a little place called Olympic TaeKwonDo, where they embraced me with wide-open arms. I am so happy to be a student again and so excited that my new TaeKwonDo family is challenging me every single day. I've already had days and days of sore muscles, frustrating training sessions, and bruises from sparring. I'm loving it and can't wait to keep learning and refining everything I know.

My beautiful new uniform with my name stitched in it! Now I HAVE to stay!!! :)

Feeling so lucky to have found a place like this where I can feel at home!!

So yes, I'm so glad my mom forced me to go to my first TKD class when I was in fourth grade, because it has given me so many opportunities outside of the martial art itself. For any kids out there, never give up on your hobbies!!! Because those hobbies will help you find family wherever you go in the future (and help you fight boredom when you go home after work...)

TOODLE-LOO!

RY

Help I don't know what to do with my life now

The program I was working with just ended, like at noon today. And so I drove an airport shuttle and then we had late lunch with our staff and then I moved out of my room and now I'm home and I don't know what to do now help

Literally every day for the past 3 1/2 weeks was a packed schedule from 8 AM to 11:30 PM. (Okay I wasn't required to go to everything but I felt that if the kids had to, I should be there, so I did :P) And now, I have until noon tomorrow to just relax but I feel like I'm being so unproductive....

Tomorrow, I'm starting work (volunteer work) again with the same office that led LENS (the Center for Global Programs and Studies) for another three week program for incoming international students. I'm driving the first airport shuttle, so even though I don't even officially work for the program I'll be the first face they see O_o This program, though, is thankfully much less packed (for me, at least) than LENS. I won't have to be at every single class (although knowing me, I will make an effort to be "present" for the students) and there are a lot more outings so the students can see American culture. 

I AM EXHAUSTED but feeling very satisfied with life, like I made a difference in some of the kids' lives :) some of them have such intense life stories and are so much more mature than most high schoolers because their experiences forced them to be, and I love them all for it. I also met a lot of cool people in our staff along the way (most of which I'll see tomorrow since I'm working with them again :P)! Best summer break accomplishment :D well, that and getting an A in Cell Bio in summer school ;)

ZIP LINING

TODAY I WENT ZIP LINING at Sander's Ridge in Booneville, a sustainable farm, vineyard, and zipline center all in one. It was very cool, to say the least. And the kids have been working so hard lately it was nice to have a change of pace. Although, while ziplining, I went straight through a couple of trees because our guide shook the line and sent me right into them ;) 

Lately, I think they've realized that they're leaving soon (Saturday) and are being more social with other cliques. It's amazing to see how much they've grown (and they have grown, whether they think it or not) and bonded in the past three weeks. 

Playing Big Booty

RL

Boxes and Things

The packaging of an item helps create brand identity and defines the character of the product itself. In the grand scheme of things, the aesthetic of a wristwatch box doesn't REALLY matter, but the marketability of the watch relies largely on what it's packed in (especially for new products). It's something many of us don't actively think about when we browse the shelves, but we find it odd when it is missing. Recently, I've been increasingly interested in the importance of multi-sensory appeal in product packaging, and I've found some cool ones to share with whomever might be at all interested...

Starting with the classic shopping bag - but look at the color contrast on the sides and the cute little bow! It's basically a gift bag!!

If I saw a whole aisle of tissues, I would 150% buy these. They have less tissues in them, but who wouldn't want these boxes sitting on your coffee table??

Monochrome things don't have to be boring. This bottle looks SO awesome and the box is even MORE awesome. (Plus, orange is the best color ever)

I love when a part of the product sticks out of the packaging for a cool purpose. Like how this watch sticks out to make a handle for the box!!

This box was designed by a cookie-delivery business and it is so appropriate and adorable, I CAN'T EVEN!!!

Simplicity is also beauty. I love how the boards inside the shirt give it structure, but you can still see its message on the front. LOVE IT.

This pistachio packaging is so perfect for snacking on the go! And it resembles a freaking pistachio...I'm obsessed.

Even though these earbuds won't stay like this for very long, I would absolutely buy these over other earbuds that weren't in a music note shape.

Nike "Air" tennis shoes. I don't know if I like this packaging, but it sure is interesting and appropriate to the shoes' name..!!

Anything in a wooden crate/box is a win for me. Wine + wooden box = Must-buy.

This is the packaging for a Japanese snack called "onigiri." It's SOOOO well designed that when you follow the instructions, it will peel back the plastic while simultaneously wrapping the rice ball with the seaweed paper. It's insane. But difficult to grasp on your first (or second or third) try! 

Okay....I know that was A LOT to see. I'm sorry!!! But I couldn't leave out any of those! If you all ever see any awesome packaging, then let me know because I am completely obsessed.

TOODLES!!!!!!!!!!!

RY

 

"Both-And" and "Neither-Nor"

I read this article recently for class for the program I'm working with. Ringo Ma's "'Both-And' and 'Neither-Nor': My Intercultural Experiences" is a short article about his experiences with fitting in with both American and Asian cultures, but at the same time, not fitting in at all. He describes being blatantly stereotyped against, and while this was written awhile ago and societal ideas of different cultures certainly have changes, I do also see my own experiences reflected in his. 

Because my sister and I were born in the USA, we're definitely Americanized and identify with American culture and customs. But at the same time, we never really fit in, expected to do well in school and play a musical instrument and do martial arts. We don't do well in proving those stereotypes wrong...but it's not because of "being Asian." It's because of parenting and personal interest--a misunderstanding which I think is an inherent flaw especially in stereotypes against Asians. However, Asians are "lucky" in that many stereotypes are positive. 

Going back to Ma's article--being an "intercultural" person, as he calls it, is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It makes one more open to other cultures, whether just learning about it, observing it, or immersing oneself in it. As technology grows and the world shrinks and as the media becomes more and more of a factor in shaping cultures' perceptions of each other, this is extremely important. However, as Ringo Ma says (and I agree with him), intercultural people fight the "both-and," functioning in both cultures, and "neither-nor," being simultaneously rejected from both cultures. 

Taiwan is RY and my second home. We're lucky in that we've been taken back there every year or so, so we've never completely lost touch of our ethnicity. As we grow older, however, we've noticed differences in treatment and expectations of us as we travel, and almost everyone we encounter can tell we're American from the way we walk. So, even before we speak, we're pegged as outsiders and can never fit in. 

It's both a privilege and a struggle, but we try to make the most of it.

RL

Haunted Dorms

I've heard from a lot of people that Collins (the dorm I'm staying in for the program I'm in now) is haunted. Apparently last year, one of the Program Assistants heard people running on the first floor after curfew, but when he went to check, no one was there. Well there are phantom footsteps happening again, especially in the past few nights! (Not that I'm scared but it really is a little creepy when all the PA's hear them at 1:00 AM and no one is upstairs or downstairs.) 

It's been fun lately. After our last jam-packed weekend of fun, the students are finishing final drafts of proposals and presentations for Saturday. 

I'm pretty excited about this week :P WE GO ZIPLINING ON THURSDAY

RL

You know what's good? 

A huge, piping hot bowl of RAMEN with gyoza (fried dumplings) and white rice on the side. Like, a real bowl of ramen with 醤油 (shoyu - soy sauce base), maybe some giant slabs of チャーシュー or　豚骨 (chashu or tonkotsu pork)...a half-cooked boiled egg cut in half, a heaping pile of 海苔(nori - seaweed). And ALL the rest of the fixin's!!! There are so many different ways to prepare it, and it never has to include a dry pack of 6-cent dried ramen blocks with chicken flavor packs. 

The best thing in Japan is when they give you a ramen "set", which includes a glorious mound of white rice and 6 sizzling gyoza with the humongous bowl of ramen. I have never in my life finished all of that stuff in one sitting, but without the whole set in front of me, I never feel like it's complete. 

In a lot of places around the world, ramen is known as the poor college kid's last resort - breakfast, lunch, dinner, study snack, etc. But in the culinary world, ramen has turned into a foodie's dream meal requiring several days' preparation! 

I miss ramen a lot. And since misery loves company, I thought I'd share some of my favorite pictures I found on the internet so that you can all drool along with me. :)

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

This one looks hot and spicy!!!! MMmmmmm

Ramen meal with gyoza and white rice!!!!!!! AAAaaahh

And I couldn't resist putting in this pic of Thomas in a ramen restaurant in East Nashville!! Plus there was bubble tea in a mason jar. I'm so hip.

And with that, I'll sign off for the day! (And eat my sad bowl of oatmeal...)

TOODLES!!

RY

Donut day in Winston!!!

This past Saturday, Krispy Kreme celebrated its 78th birthday by hosting a pretty big celebration at Bailey Park in downtown Winston-Salem! No, I'm not sponsored by them...but a message to Krispy Kreme execs - I promise you wouldn't have to twist my arm, just sayin!

So I made Thomas wake up earlier than he would prefer and dragged him to this thing. But he didn't fuss too much after we got free donuts and free iced coffee! YES, FREE DONUTS AND COFFEE! If we didn't have other commitments later that morning, I may never have made it out of there. 

I had never been to Bailey Park before because it's relatively new, but I was not disappointed! It is a beautiful green space in the city and just quirky enough to make me feel hip for being there. 

We got to see old Krispy Kreme food trucks and old-timey delivery cars, along with an antique car show for everyone. There was free ice cream, a donut-dipping station, and a whole bunch of blow-up jumpy houses with a variety of crazy designs. Of course, Wake Forest and Panthers football made their appearance and so did Nascar. So I suppose that makes it the ultimate North Carolina experience!!!

Old donut cars!

Road trip, anyone???????!!!!

Thomas making his donut masterpiece

This is worth getting out of bed for, donut'cha think? :)

Proud of my hometown for the things happening here and can't wait for the future...

Hey Dunkin Donuts, when's your birthday??

TOODLES for now, yall!

RY

SUCCESS

I read a book by Blake Mycoskie (founder of TOMS shoes) a long, long time ago, and the first page of the book was this quote/poem. The poem is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, but no one actually knows if he said all this. REGARDLESS, it is my favorite quote and I truly do try to live by this every single day. Here goes!

What is Success?

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;

That is to have succeeded.

^There it is! I have never, ever ripped pages from a book in my life other than the time I ripped this page out of Blake Mycoskie's book so I could stick it on my wall in my room. Don't worry, it was my own personal copy!

But seriously, that last part in the poem really, really, really struck a chord with me. "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived...." I don't claim to be a miracle worker. But if I can be even the most minute force for positive change in SOMEONE'S life, then I have succeeded, even if I don't know it.

This is why I LOVE working with children. I remember every single one of my role models as I was growing up, and I still have role models today. They help shape me into who I am now, and I hope to be that person for every kid I teach, babysit, etc.

I'm trying not to put myself on a soap box (and I hope it doesn't come off that way). I just really LOVE this poem and I thought I would share it. 

Love everyone and be a positive force in the lives of those around you. I always try to remind myself of that. <3

TOODLES FOR NOW!!!!

RY

Watching and Listening

I'm really enjoying this peer mentor role. On one hand, we're friends and lead social events like field days, play games with the students, and share food with them, but we also answer questions about the admissions process, prepare them for interviews, and facilitate their project proposals. It's really fun :) Today, the group I'm working with (Global Food Committee represent!) had their admissions interviews. At first they were really nervous and I had to calm them down, share my interview experience, tell them about the admissions officers and how chill they are, and now that its over, they're excited and telling everyone not to panic (other students have their interviews in the next few days).

I love these kids :) Most of the time, at least. We've had some drama with girls and guys from the other LENS session (who left today, thank god) but mostly, they're a fun bunch who work well and have great insights.

RL

***Music is MAGIC***

Years and years ago, RL and I played music with a little trio called the "Asian Sensation." Yes, isn't that name painfully accurate? :) Our goal was to bring happiness to people through our instruments, and share our music with people who didn't necessarily get to experience classical music often. Our motto was "Music is magic." Well, back then, I enjoyed playing music for the most part, but I don't think I really FELT it. I didn't TRULY understand our motto. I played music because I knew I was decent at it and because my mom told me to....

Since then, I've realized how true that motto really is. Speaking from solely a classical musician's standpoint here, music really has brought magic to my life. It means even more when I get to be the person actually creating that music and filling the air around me with sounds I can enjoy. 

BUT, what means EVEN MORE to me is when I get to create music with a group of people whom I respect and love so dearly. You know who you are. When I sit down with someone (or some people) whom I can connect with on not just a musical level, but on an emotional level, the music we make is beyond magical. I'm not sure I can even explain it. It is an incredible feeling to be able to sit down with other human being(s) and know exactly what they are thinking, feeling, and what they are about to do next. When this happens, music is not a chore. Nor is it a job. It becomes an adventure, where I get to form bonds with other people without having to utter a single word. 

The easiest comparison I can think of is sports. You can always tell when every member of a basketball team connects with each other on a deeper level than just the sport itself. Each play seems so effortless, and it looks like they are almost telepathic. Even when something unexpected happens, the team bounces back together without having to individually outline a new plan. And every single player is vital to the interweaving harmony of the whole. 

I'm just writing all of this because within the last several years, I think I've found the meaning behind Asian Sensation's old motto. I don't know if I conveyed it perfectly in this post, but I hope it makes some sort of sense. When I truly connect with other musicians on that level, it makes for some of the most magical moments in the world to me. I'm just so glad that I am lucky enough to have had those moments and I crave that feeling every single day. 

Cheers to music, guys. 

Toodles for now,

RY

Summer Catch-up

Rae the younger here, as of now still in the education system and not yet shoved into the real world of jobs and taxes and such like RY. I finished my sophomore year in May, and of course decided to put myself through 6 weeks of summer school (took Cellular Biology--was it fun? I'm not sure. But I did get an A, so at least there's that).

The day summer school ended, I started my three-week job as a camp counselor/TA/RA for a high school program called LENS Cultural Crossroads at Wake Forest. We're deep into week two and our projects--my job as a Program Assistant is to work with a group of students and a campus partner to facilitate the students in developing a plan for the campus partner to implement to better the school. OF COURSE, me being me, I chose to work with the Global Food Committee, so look for better ethnic/religious food options in the school cafeteria next year ;) 

That's the main part of my job, but a huge part of it too is being a disciplinary figure, resident adviser for the living space, TA in class, friend, resource for questions about applying to college, and van driver. So basically I'm exhausted, but it's been fun too.

That's been my entire summer so far. I did take part in the Moral Monday March for voting rights on Monday--very cool, I feel empowered! 

Now I also feel obligated to share old stupid pictures of us.

I have to go do room checks now for my students. Peace out and I promise I'll be more interesting next time, it's been a long day. and week. All in good fun, but I'm exhausted!! (I'm also on wake-up duty in 7 hours) 

RL

OH HELLO

You're probably wondering: Why zebra butts? I say: yes.

Welcome to The Daily RaePort!!!!! Since I moved out recently, I figured it would be fun to share a blog with my sister. We both frequently have things to say to the world. And sometimes, those things are valuable to some people. More likely, it's something to read while you sit on the toilet every morning. Or evening. I won't judge your bowel patterns. 

But even about butts and bowels. Before we get into the meat of this blog, I thought I'd share some pictures of us for your convenience and reference. So here we go. 

                       Filtered in black and white to intensify our fairly average poses

I don't remember carrying that large of a backpack in Paris. Did I? I don't know.

We have shockingly (or not shockingly) high tolerance for getting strange looks from bystanders in public.

I'm so good at selfies that I've managed to make my arm the central focus of this picture.

Further proof that selfies are not exactly my forte

So there's a look into the two authors of this blog. Come back for more bits and bobs and you won't be disappointed most of the time! Or some of the time! Trying to keep the expectations low so all we can do is EXCEED THEM!

Thanks for reading this overture to this symphony of a blog. Yes, I did just make that metaphor. 

Why doesn't this blog thing have emojis?

TOODLES,

RY